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Snappin’ & Tappin’

It’s crazy for me to think that I’ve been writing about Jiu-Jitsu for almost eight years. I didn’t really expect Ginger Snaps to last this long, I thought I’d quickly realize that no one wanted to read it and quit, or I’d eventually get bored with it, or maybe I would’ve simply given up on BJJ by now, but still I persist. My posts have been less frequent lately, as has my training (stupid injuries, and now I have a cold), but it’s almost like this blog is an old friend that I can turn to any time I need an outlet for the trials, tribulations, and triumphs in my training.

Even after all this time, I still don’t think I’ve ever been able to find the right words to adequately express why I love Jiu-Jitsu, so I suppose I’ll just have to keep blogging until I do. In the meantime, here is an excerpt from one of my old posts, which I believe comes the closest to explaining what Jiu-Jitsu means to me, and why I’m still rolling…

There is something very freeing to me about grappling, it’s like nothing else matters when I’m rolling. I’m not thinking about anything but how to survive in that moment. I’ve felt some of the same freedom when stand-up sparring, but it’s not as all-encompassing as grappling. Jiu-Jitsu is an intensely complex struggle for dominance, and when I roll, every part of me is completely absorbed. It’s not just something you do, it’s something you feel. If you take two competitors in most forms of fighting or sport and you blindfold them, they are probably going to have a difficult time, but a couple of Jiu-Jitsu fighters should have no problem.

Jiu-Jitsu can teach you humility, patience, and perseverance. It can help you learn to remain calm, even when you’re surrounded by chaos. It can increase your tolerance for pain, as well as your ability to withstand uncomfortable situations. It gives you a chance to show compassion, and to grow by helping others improve. It exposes your weaknesses, and tests your resolve. It can be challenging and frustrating, but that’s also part of the reason it’s so rewarding. You will bleed, you will bruise, every muscle in your body will ache, but if you commit to it, Jiu-Jitsu will make you stronger in every way. I feel like I’ve only just begun to really understand what this beautiful art has to offer, and I’m thankful for all it’s given me.